Former Speaker and political heavyweight Rebecca Kadaga has officially shut down speculation about a presidential run, declaring her full focus is now on contesting for the Kamuli Woman MP seat. In a firm statement, Kadaga emphasized that her energy is devoted to grassroots representation and local leadership rather than national offices.
Kadaga’s move comes after months of public debate about her political future, with many expecting her to throw her hat into the presidential ring. But the experienced lawmaker opted for a different approach, saying she believes she can make more direct impact at the constituency level and build stronger local ties from Kamuli.
Although she stepped away from the contest for a party executive committee post earlier this year, Kadaga insists her decision is not a retreat but a deliberate shift toward district-level politics and advocacy. She believes focusing on Kamuli will allow her to amplify rural voices and hold the government accountable where it matters most.
Her announcement has stirred reactions across Uganda’s political landscape. While some party colleagues welcomed her decision, seeing it as a way for her to reconnect with the grassroots, others speculated that declining a presidential bid might signal internal party tensions or strategic repositioning ahead of the next elections.
Whether Kadaga’s focus on Kamuli will translate into electoral success remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: she’s choosing to lead from the ground up, reminding Uganda that real political power often starts at home.